FIM News

BETHLEHEM, PA—Raising a child with special needs can be a rollercoaster of emotion for parents, according to First In Math India CEO, Monica Patel. Her son, Shonak, was diagnosed with high-functioning Autism nearly 20 years ago.

First In Math India CEO, Monica Patel, and her son, Shonak.

“Unfortunately, at that time in India and overall, there was a lack of understanding about special-needs children,” explains Patel. School was soon a social, emotional and academic struggle. She and her husband, Pulkesh, decided their son needed a more inclusive social structure along with better education options—and made a bold move all the way to the United States, settling in Bethlehem, PA.

At his new school, Shonak discovered a love for mathematics—and flourished. He had found his niche. In sixth grade, his math teacher encouraged him to participate in the First In Math Online program, and he eventually bested 600,000 students to become the #1 player in the nation, all grades, in 2006.

“For the first time, hundreds of his middle school peers stood up to applaud him and in that moment he went from being invisible to becoming the pride of his school and the local community,” says Patel, who, more than 10 years later, is still visibly moved.

The experience with First In Math was such a powerful one, she eventually introduced the program to India, becoming CEO of First in Math India Pvt. Ltd., in 2014. “When I share Shonak’s success story with people, I also make sure that they understand First In Math is for ALL students—average, gifted, struggling, urban or rural,” says Patel. “A program such as this has the power to work for all our children and it would be a shame to see it get boxed-in to one category.”

While she has been preaching the gospel of First In Math for years, only recently has Patel been willing to share her family’s private journey. “My personal experience is a small part of this, but if I can help any family I am willing to talk about it.” After moving to the U.S., Patel obtained a Masters degree in Special Education from Lehigh University, and says that fully embracing and accepting her son’s autism came only after her own education and research. “It is hard to admit now, but no challenge was greater for us than my initial years spent in complete denial about his Autism.”

Now 24, Shonak is acknowledged as a top mathematician, and is ready to graduate from Carnegie Mellon University. He was recently featured in a PARENTS WORLD cover story in India. “It was making a connection, in his case with math, that motivated him in every aspect of life,” says Patel, who urges parents to help their child identify the interests he or she chooses. “Find the best tools to hone their skills until excellence becomes a way of life, and autism is carried with pride.”

EASTON, PA—Eight years ago, eighth-grader James O'Shea outperformed more than 500,000 of his peers to claim the title of #1 Player Nationwide—all grades—in the First In Math® Online Program for the 2009-2010 school year. It was his third and final appearance in the prestigious National Top Ten.

James O'Shea and First In Math creator, Robert Sun - 2010 and 2018

Fast-forward to 2018. O’Shea, home from college on winter break, is sitting across the table from one of his mentors, creator of the First In Math online program, Robert Sun, reminiscing about his FIM days and discussing future plans.

The busy Economics and Pre-Health double major graduates from Notre Dame in the Spring, where he is also an undergrad Teaching Assistant for both biology and statistics. “It's crazy how time has passed so quickly since my days playing First In Math. I was looking through the website the other day, and it's incredible how much it has changed. There are so many more games and topics for kids to explore. It's great how big the program has become, and its user base has exploded.”

O'Shea is a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon, one of the world's largest academic honor societies, and will attend medical school at Thomas Jefferson University after graduation. “I'm so excited, becoming a physician has always been my long-term goal,” says O'Shea. “I'm very fortunate to be attending right out of college.

Sun invited him to take a peek at some new games in development, including coding activities in the new Computational Thinking (CT World) module. “I'm very excited that First In Math is including a coding aspect on the site; through my coursework, I've found that it's incredibly applicable across all fields. I just took a coding class this past semester. I wasn't supposed to be there because it was a IT majors-only class, but I was persuasive,” laughs O’Shea. “I learned about R and SQL and fell in love with it.”

But he says he’ll never forget the skills he practiced—and the fun he had—with First In Math. “When I saw my little brother Justin at the airport, the first thing he said to me was, ‘James! Guess how many stickers I have in First in Math!’ and wow, that brought back a lot of fond memories. My parents never forced me to compete, I did it because it was fun challenging myself, and it’s the same for Justin. He told me that he is top 20 in the nation for all grades and I'm so proud of him, he's been working really hard. He’s a third grader, and already well known as the ‘First in Math guy’ at his school.

RIALTO, CA—At First In Math we receive letters, emails and phone calls every day. Some contain constructive criticism, some contain praise, and some touch our hearts in remarkable ways. One such email was forwarded to us by Eva Serrato, Academic Agent, Math/Science and College & Career Pathways for the Rialto Unified School District.

Sgt. H. and his wife. “I always get the credit for my service, but she watches over me in ways no one else would and really makes it all happen.”

In a communication to Dr. Monte Stewart, Principal of Elizabeth T. Hughbanks Elementary in Rialto, a happy parent shared that he was very excited his son received a First In Math Online program User ID and Password. “Thank you soooooooooooooo much for Michael’s account,” wrote US Army Sgt. H. “I'm ecstatic, as this program has given me a purpose since being home with my children.”

Days earlier, Serrato had asked local First In Math representative, Jill Henderson, to help her enroll just one moreKindergarten student in FIM. “Jill took care of it immediately,” says Serrato. “I didn’t know how important that request was until I read the Sgt.’s email.”

Sgt. H., who always wanted to be an engineer, joined the Army National Guard in 2000 as an Infantryman and was activated to Kuwait after the 9/11 attack. He did three combat tours in Iraq, but in 2006 was severely injured when his vehicle was hit by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device).

He awoke in a Baghdad ER with little to no memory of the attack or the days leading up to it. Severe injuries left his memory extremely compromised and his high-level math skills nearly extinct. The combat veteran, who used to deal with calculus and trigonometry, was left barely able to do multiplication. “I didn’t arrive home the same. PTSD, TBI, chronic pain, you name it, I had/have it. I fight each day to overcome these obstacles.”

In 2017, he was medically retired, having served nearly 17 years. “A that point I was doing all I could to hang on to what I knew,” explains Sgt. H. “I went from being a frontline, hardened, combat-infantry soldier to learning how to be a full-time, stay-at-home dad on a fixed income. And I thought combat was tough!”

He didn’t leave the house very often, but one day his wife convinced him to attend a school award presentation “Some kids got a First In Math Award and they were talking about ‘stickers’ and things I didn't understand. I thought, what is this program every teacher is praising? So, I got on First In Math and went through every game I could, learning everything I could about it when, like an explosion—pun intended—it hit me! I remembered I used to be able to do high levels of math.”

“I realized that it's the basics that matter, the foundation that counts, so from that point on my son Joshua and I did all we could to challenge ourselves on First In Math. I know that life is a process full of growth potential and littered with constant failures, and it will take hard work and effort to overcome those failures. But we were determined to have fun, enjoy the program, and most important appreciate our precious time here on earth together.”

“I'm still unable to recall and hold onto many things, but through much practice, effort, hard work and time—and the support of my beautiful wife and mother of our six children—I'm grateful just for the opportunity to remember any little things and be in the present with my family.”

A few months later at the next awards presentation, Joshua was awarded a FIM plaque for being #1 in the Rialto Unified School District among all grades! He was also ranked #1 in the State and #7 in the Nation at his grade level. “This year, he’s currently #1 in CA among third graders,” says the proud father, noting that Hughbanks recently promoted him to fourth-grade math.

Sgt. H. explains that the letter he wrote to Dr. Stewart was about Joshua’s younger brother, Michael, who is now five, and loving First In Math. “He’s doing addition and subtraction easily and going strong because of the inspiration and hard work of his brother, I am so proud of him.” But this dedicated dad says that it wasn't until he saw his kids using First In Math that it inspired him to get back on the horse and relearn math.

“First In Math gave me a platform to work with. I tried flash cards, other programs, everything and just lost hope because nothing worked. FIM was the direction and guide I needed to help me teach and guide my children. It is great therapy for me daily watching my children excel in the knowledge I lost years ago.”

“Sgt. H.’s story is so inspiring, and I applaud his incredible courage,” says Dr. Stewart. “As educators, we may not always realize how one small action we take—or curriculum support we offer—can impact the lives of others. Hearing something like this only strengthens my commitment to the school and to every student, one child at a time.”

Editor’s note: In the interest of privacy, we have been asked to substitute “Sgt. H.” in place of an actual name, and we deeply respect Sgt. H.’s desire to dedicate this piece “to my fallen brother and sisters, to those still faithfully serving and who have served—both in military and public safety—I wake up every day thanks to them.”

This article, published on August 28, 2017 to the WE ARE TEACHERS website, points out that while all teachers want their students to succeed in math, no one wants to teach to the test—routinely drilling students with math facts and assigning practice worksheets. Being intentional and using creative approaches to your instruction can get students excited about math. Not surprisingly. First In Math can help!

FLANDERS, NJ—Mountain View Elementary School was recently honored by the First In Math program. The online math-practice website tasks students with grade-specific math challenges and, as of June 19, 2017, Mountain View students had solved more than 7.75 million of them!

Aradha Jain, Mountain View's top student in First in Math, shows off the school's plaque with Principal Frank J. Fischel, Ed.D.

The Mt. Olive Township District school ranked #1 in New Jersey and #2 in the nation based on the number of math problems solved per student, and the school has been in the FIM Top Ten in the U.S. every year since beginning the program in 2013.

“I’m so proud of what our kids have accomplished,” said Dr. Frank Fischel, Mountain View principal. “So much of our success is due to teachers keeping excitement high and contributing to the recognition program that rewards students for their personal achievements. The friendly competitive spirit that First In Math has helped engender is now part of who we are as a school.”

While they are home to the country’s top third grade class, Mountain View’s success in FIM is a school-wide achievement, thanks to a high level of participation among many students—not just a few driven kids or classes.

How important is math achievement—and the First In Math National Top Ten School award—to the students and faculty? The plaque celebrating their success remains on display in the main office, indefinitely.

SEVERN, MD—Harleigh Dingman is a winner in many ways. She maintains excellent grades and sings in the chorus. As a competitive dancer, she practices seven days a week for at least three hours a day. Somehow, she also makes time to sharpen her math skills on the First in Math site. A lot of time.

She plays nearly every night, according to her mother, Tamara Dingman, who is also a teacher and First In Math Team Leader. “Harleigh doesn’t attend my school, but she has heard me talking about the program since she was in first grade,” says Dingman. “This year, the first day she tried it she ended up as the second-place Player Of The Day (POTD), and decided then and there she wanted to be on top instead of second. She has been FIM Player Of The Week (POTW) ever since.”

The determined Quarterfield Elementary School fourth-grader became #1 in her class, grade, and school, and was the POTW for all 39 weeks the school participated. She ranked #1 in Anne Arundel County Public Schools among all fourth graders and #2 all grades, also ending the school year #4 in the state of Maryland among fourth graders and #13 all grades.

Harleigh set a goal to get on the First in Math National list for fourth graders, which she achieved. She is currently ranked #58.

But it wasn’t easy. It took a lot of determination and effort to get there, along with support from her family and her teacher, Toniann Shaffer

“School has sometimes been difficult for Harleigh,” explains Dingman. “She reads a whole grade behind and has mild hearing loss. Math had always been easier for her, until she hit third grade and word problems became a focus.”

Fourth grade brought Dingman a whole new appreciation for her daughter’s perseverance, and for the program that helped her. “First In Math has done wonderful things for Harleigh. It helped motivate her. She learned all her math facts, taught herself division, negative and positive numbers, and weight.”

“We love First in Math,” agrees Shaffer. “Harleigh did a great job. She showed great progress in math, especially division, because her math facts were so much easier for her. I am very proud of all her work and determination.” Shaffer gave Harleigh the official First in Math POTW lanyard to keep at the end of the year “because no one else even came close to her record.”

Harleigh says that she still checks First in Math every morning, and if another player is ahead of her she figures out how much more she needs to play to beat them. Even though the school year is over, she plays every day—even on the family’s vacation.

What’s next? We’re not sure, but Harleigh says she is excited, and already has a game plan for next year.

ALAMOGORDO, NM—Yucca Elementary School’s William “Mr. Bill” Hanna finished second in the nation among all educator-players in the 2017 First In Math Top Ten competition. What makes this truly unique, however, is that Hanna is not your typical educator.

William "Mr. Bill" Hanna

Hanna has volunteered at Yucca Elementary School since February, 2016, contributing more than 600 volunteer hours during the 2016-2017 school year alone. He enjoys helping the school’s 329 participating students navigate the First In Math program and Yucca’s First in Math Club.

The retired Air Force veteran encourages students by providing extra incentives, like pizza parties, to supplement the built-in positive reinforcement the First In Math site provides. “I know how some students feel when playing games with timers and that kind of thing—because I have some information-processing issues myself,” admits Hanna. “From what I’ve seen, this is a valuable, low-stress math-practice tool that can help build confidence in all types of learners.”

Last year, “Mr.Bill” met First In Math VP Barbara Asteak when she volunteered to help out with their 24 Challenge math tournament. “I recall telling her that I had a lot of enthusiasm for First In Math, as did my studnets,” he says. “This year I decided to put my words to the test. I hope my students are proud of my success—I know I am proud of theirs.”

Yucca Elementary ended the National Top Ten competition as the #1 First In Math school in the Alamogordo Public School District, and ranked third overall in New Mexico. In April, the school passed the one-million-sticker milestone.

"It is such an honor to receive this award,” says Jain, who is originally from Bethlehem, PA. “It is really nice to have validation that you are working on interesting research problems that will hopefully one day have a biomedical impact. Disease relevance and the hope for therapies is the reason I am so drawn to science." Jain works in the lab of Professor Vamsi Mootha, focusing on mitochondrial disease.

The Weintraub Award recognizes outstanding achievement during graduate studies in the biological sciences. A committee of individuals from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center selects awardees based on the quality, originality and significance of their work.

Jain shares a special connection to First In Math, via her participation in—and domination of—the 24® Game Pennsylvania State 24 Challenge Championships in 2003. Barely big enough to hoist the Platinum Masters Division Championship trophy she won as a 7th-grader, Jain impressed everyone with her focus and determination. Among them was 24® Game and First In Math® creator Robert Sun.

“There are a few ‘24 kids’ who make such a lasting impression that they are remembered even after many years have passed,” says Sun. “Isha is one of them.”

“As a sophomore at Freedom High School, Isha placed fourth in the Zoology category of the Intel International Science and Engineering Research Fair,” recalls Sun. “She was quick to credit the role that math skills played in her award-winning research.”

LAS VEGAS, NV—When Liberty Perez and her Southern Highlands Preparatory middle school peers first picked up their iPads and logged into First In Math®, she realized it could be an interesting way to become a better math student.

Proof of just another way Liberty used technology to meet one of her goals—a meeting with the developer of First In Math on FaceTime! Left to right: 1) Liberty and Robert Sun share a laugh. 2) With Principal Carla Martin. 3) Showing off her new Apple watch, a gift from her parents.

The energetic 8th grader already excelled in reading, art, music and science, but math was not necessarily her favorite subject. SHPS Math teacher, Susan Kolodny, encouraged her interest, and together they began to watch her First In Math sticker-count grow. When it reached 5,000, she set another goal. Then another. And another.

By the end of the First In Math National Top Ten competition on April 28, Perez had amassed 53,390 stickers, and was ranked #1 among all Nobel schools, #1 in Nevada and #8 Nationwide, all grades.

Executive Director for Nobel Learning Communities, Inc., Kathleen Maroney, agrees. “I could not be more proud of her effort. Libby is an amazing student who represents Nobel and First In Math with pride and enthusiasm, and I want to congratulate her on a job well done.”

When Libby—as she is known to her friends—wanted to know how to earn more stickers, she reached out to her math coach, Nobel Learning Education Manager Toby Grosswald, for guidance. Together, they contacted Suntex International, emailing the corporate offices of First In Math. “I wanted everyone to know I was in it to win it, and I wanted to ask if I could speak with Mr. Sun when I placed in the National Top Ten!”

Thanks to technology, the 2,000 miles that separated them did not stand in the way. Her eventual face-to-face ‘meeting’ with inventor Robert Sun impressed everyone. “Students aren’t usually that poised or confident,” says Suntex Executive Vice President, Nan Ronis, who helped arrange a FaceTime chat with the Pennsylvania-based Sun. “She listened, offered feedback and was comfortable doing so.”

Sun came away from their meeting very impressed. “She set a goal to be in the top ten players in the nation—among more than a million players—and she achieved that goal through sheer persistence. I believe Liberty will make great contributions to humanity as she continues to grow."

“This story shows every student that when you set your mind to something, it can be achieved,” says Grosswald. “The dedication, determination and drive that Liberty demonstrated was supported by her educators and mentors every step of the way. All of us congratulate Libby, knowing that this is not the last time that we will hear of her accomplishments.”

Southern Highlands Preparatory School is a part of Nobel Learning Communities, a network of more than 200 private schools in 18 states and the District of Columbia, with a commitment to outstanding preschools and K-12 schools.

SAN ANTONIO, TX—Between this year’s Texas NCSM and NCTM conferences, Benjamin Banneker Association President, Brea Ratliff, invited First In Math® representatives to conduct workshops for staff members and students at the Eastside San Antonio Boys and Girls Club.

Left: At NCTM 2017, Margaret Walker, (right) past president of Benjamin Banneker Association, presents a clock to Nancy Kane in recognition of the First In Math program’s long-time support of BBA initiatives. Right: Staff and students learn about the 24® Game at the San Antonio Boys and Girls Club.

Mel Christensen, Training Coordinator for the San Antonio area Boys and Girls Club Program, organized an outreach to the other surrounding clubs, whose members were also in attendance. First In Math’s Nancy Kane and Shelley Rosen directed one of the five the workshops.

In the morning, Rosen presented a slideshow highlighting several games from the 24® Game series. The staff was very interested in the 24 Game and in the activities provided. Each staff member was given a 24 Game to take with them.

The afternoon brought a fun-filled Power Hour, where Kane and Rosen worked with 6th and 7th graders, while Banneker members and volunteers worked with other grade levels. Students rotated through three different stations, including a 24® Game introduction and a fun 24 Game Factor Wheels activity that allowed them to work in small groups and compete against each other. At the third station, students enjoyed working on the First In Math online program website.

Some of the 40 staff members present, including Program Manager Mark Crump from the East Side Club, were former Boys & Girls Club members who are now there to mentor children and give back to the community.

Rosen hopes they will continue to use the 24 Game and the First In Math website to create opportunities for the children to connect with the math and the world of numbers. “First in Math and the 24 Game are, first and foremost, great learning activities—but they have many applications. Organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs can use our proven type of game-based learning to engage children, and to help bridge the transition between school and home.”

Learning is often viewed as a linear process. First, the thinking goes, students must be convinced they can complete a task. For kids who question their ability to learn, this is a big stumbling block. It puts the onus on teachers to find ways to overcome doubt, negative self-image and prior failures.

Next, teachers are expected to discover a way for children to become self-motivated. They must show their students a connection to prior learning, or find an intrinsic appeal in the subject matter. Only after these two steps have been accomplished are students considered ready to move on to the final step: learning something new.

The drawback with this approach is its narrow perspective. It places too many steps in sequence, with too many preconditions. Loaded with roadblocks, it makes effective learning difficult. A better model is to think of instruction not as a straight line but as a circle, with entry possible at any spot along the circumference.

Such a model is not only more flexible, but also more inviting to children of varying interests and abilities. Now “do” can be an entry point—as well as “want to do.”

A circular model also increases the ways in which a child can be motivated. The video game industry has used this paradigm to great effect, changing the culture of an entire generation.

Video games succeed because of their non-threatening, open, and self-reinforcing approach to acquiring new skills. First In Math’s digital content is designed to exploit the circular nature of learning using the same key attributes of popular video games: comprehensive content; multiple points of entry; high engagement; a seamless gradient of challenges; a sense of control; short cycle of play and the freedom to make mistakes.

When correctly applied, the circular pattern provided by digital learning games on the First In Math site can actually become a spiral, leading to ever-higher levels of math achievement. As all teachers know, negative attitudes can be self-reinforcing in children. The short cycle of play in a digital game, however, can solve the problem. One quick success presents the child with a question: “Do I go away, or do I continue?” Most will choose the Start button and continue.

When children admit to themselves, “I can do this,” it introduces a new feeling based on the natural response to previous success. Instead of worrying about the threat of a bad grade or a negative reaction from their teacher or parent, kids now think, “I did better than I thought I could, and perhaps I’ll do as well next time.” After working three decades with children and mathematics, my experience confirms that it is not motivation that creates action, but taking action that creates the motivation to do more.

Before long, success eliminates fear. A new perspective takes hold, and the spiral of progressive achievement becomes a reality.

There is no magic formula for math success, but a top-quality tool like First In Math can provide an environment for the most overlooked aspect of math instruction: practice. Like playing baseball or learning the piano, math is a skill that requires practice. When all the right attributes are in place, a digital game for math practice can be immensely effective. It’s up to us to provide that welcoming environment—and then let kids do what they do best: explore and learn for themselves.

ROBERT SUN is the CEO of Suntex International and inventor of First In Math, an online program designed for energizing every child to learn, love and live mathematics.